Long-term RNase P-mediated inhibition of HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis

Advances in genetic analysis and a greater understanding of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) molecular pathogenesis have identified critical viral targets for gene interference strategies. RNase P molecules have been proposed as a novel approach for gene targeting based upon their potent catalytic activity, as well as versatile external guide sequence (EGS) which can be modified to specifically recognize almost any target mRNA. We designed a truncated EGS to specifically recognize the highly conserved U5 region of HIV-1 mRNA and mediate subsequent cleavage of hybridized mRNA by the RNase P enzyme component. The active U5-EGS (560), as well as a disabled U5 EGS (560D) control, were cloned into plasmids containing proviral constructs and transfected into a CD4(+) T cell line that was thereafter infected with HIV-1 MN. CD4(+) T cells treated with the active US EGS (560) were observed to maintain CD4(+) expression and did not produce HIV p24 gag antigen, form syncytia or undergo apoptosis up to 30 days after infection. Identical cells expressing the inactivated form of the U5 RNase P EGS completely down-regulated CD4 expression, produced elevated levels of HIV-1, formed large syncytia and underwent apoptosis similar to untreated cells. HIV-1 replication and related cytopathology can be effectively inhibited in CD4(+) T cells expressing a protective U5 EGS.